ARC Review: Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter

Title: Beauty of the Beast
Author: Rachel L. Demeter
Series: Fairy Tale Retellings #1
Publication: March 15th 2017
Genre: Adult ~ Historical Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

Experience the world’s most enchanting and timeless love story—retold with a dark and realistic twist.

A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST

Reclusive and severely scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago.

A BEAUTY IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER FUTURE

Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at a castle—unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Stripped of his emotional defenses, Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they will wade through darkness and discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But when a monster from Isabelle’s former life threatens their new love, Demrov’s forgotten prince must emerge from his shadows and face the world once more…

Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating, Gothic voice.

Disclaimer: This is an edgy retelling of the classic fairy tale. Due to strong sexual content, profanity, and dark subject matter, including an instance of sexual assault committed by the villain, Beauty of the Beast is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Right from the start I thought this was a great story. The first thing that I loved from it was the first main character we got introduced to, Isabelle. I just loved how kind and good she was and even so this didn't make her a total Mary Sue or anything because she also had a lot of fire in her, which I really like in the heroines I read about.

Adam got introduced a little later into the story and he also didn't dissapoint. Once we reached that part of the story it was very similar to Disney's Beauty and the Beast, only for adults. The story was very similar to the story we all know and love with some differences throughout. It was also slightly darker and there was a gothic feel to it, which is what I love most about it.

The vilain of the story, Raphael was absolutely vile. I hated him but in one way that was good because I love reading about bad guys that you can really hate, you know? But I also gotta say, there's a reason why he is the way he is. And I also feel like I should say I really wasn't a fan of Isabelle's stepsisters. They were pretty awful, just like stepsisters often are in fairy tales.

The romance between Isabelle and Adam was incredible. It was a slow burn and written perfectly the way it was. I fell a little in love with Adam myself. He really needed someone like Isabelle to pretty much make him alive again and rejoin the world. I have so much feels for them! And I also feel like I should say how much I enjoy reading about any of the male main characters this author writes. I just love them all!

Overall, Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter was such a beautiful retelling. One of the best I've read so far. The writing was simply gorgeous and easily my favorite thing in the book. It wasn't quite 5 star worthy but I would still highly recommend it to fans of retellings, Beauty and the Beast, historical romance or just anyone who wants to read a great story.

       About the Author:

       Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and her high school sweetheart of eleven years. She enjoys writing poignant romances that challenge the reader's emotions and explore the redeeming power of love.